CAUTIOUS COLLABORATION OF TECNOLOGY IN RESTRUCTURING EDUCATION
NOVEMBER 02-04 ,2019
THE PUNJAB PUBLIC SCHOOL NABHA
Pedagogy is a driver
Technology is the acceleratorAccording to Mr. Newman, technology can be a catalyst in the creation of new structure for learning.
IPSC Teachers’ Conclave was held from
2nd to 4th November 2019 at
The Punjab Public School, Nabha. Around 100 teachers from 22 prestigious Public schools of the country took part in the spirit of shared learning. The Theme of the Conclave was “CAUTIOUS COLLABORATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN RESTRUCTURING EDUCATION “. A team of 4 teachers comprising Dean of Academics ,Mrs Seema Baxi, IT - Manager Mr Jasvinder Singh, PGT Computer Science Mr Udhav Dubey and TGT Science Mrs. Perminder Meena attended the Conclave. The Conclave was an eye opener for all on the cautious use of technology as well as collaboration of same in restructuring of education. There was galaxy of excellent Keynote Speakers to enrich the participants’ knowledge and engage them in fruitful learning.
On 2nd November 2019, teachers gathered at “Cut the First Turf “for an ice breaking session coupled with fun fiesta and that games enthralled everybody which was followed by mouth-watering dinner.
3rd Nov morning started with Opening Ceremony. Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, Punjab and Haryana High Court was the Chief Guest for the Opening Ceremony. Mrs. Jyotasana Brar, Honorary member of IPSC Trust formally welcomed and introduced the Chief Guest.
Justice Nirmaljit Kaur dwelt at length on the theme of the Conclave. She said that while technology has brought about efficiency and flair in all sectors of human endeavours, it had also left behind a trail of decline in human values. Technology had emerged as a vital factor for the overall societal evolution. She enumerated countless advantages of technology in education with special emphasis on classroom teaching and learning. Learning has become more engaging, especially for students who are inclined towards visual content. The need, however is to properly harness it ensuring students do not fall for its negative aspects.
Dr. Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster PPS Nabha presented traditional phulkari and a momento to the Chief Guest. Proposing Vote of Thanks, Dr. Singh expressed his views on the topic that we teachers don’t have to learn, we have to unlearn many things to relearn. We need to upgrade ourselves.
An awareness of ‘Cyber Security’ was generated by Mr. Rakshit Tandon Director /Co-founder, Hackdev Technology Pvt. Ltd. Director, Council of Information Security. The topic was “Digital Safety for Schools”. He touched upon various topics like Protecting IT Infrastructure, Digital Netiquettes, Digital Laws, Mobi Control, Cyber Captain, Cyber Congress, Email Policy etc. The discussion was taken further by Dr. Ashok Pandey, Director, Ahlcon Group of Schools, Delhi on the need of value-based knowledge for the use of technology. He said that technology is value neutral. He highlighted, how it is up to teachers to provide the value-based learning. He advised us how to take advantage of rapidly advancing technological environment by being flexible and using it to personalised learning for students and make their learning experiential. He said not let to technology hijack the emotional connection between teachers and students. A technology does not equal a learning outcome. It’s a tool that enables learning outcomes. Technology alone isn’t going to improve student’s achievement. The best combination is great teachers working with technology to engage students in the pursuit of the learning they need.
Post lunch witnessed a session by Mr. Vikramjit Singh Rooprai, an eminent author, educator and historian who shared his personal journey citing anecdotes as to how technology can be inculcated in every subject and sphere. His lecture was centred on the topic “Evolving with Technology”
Dr. Sarvesh Naidu Director, Pathways World School, Gurgaon made a captivating presentation on the changing role of technology in today’s time. Technology won’t replace teachers but teachers who use technology will probably replace teachers who do not. We need technology in every classroom and in every student and teacher’s hand because it is the pen and paper of our time and it is the lens through which we experience much of our world. Reflections gave interactive opportunities to all delegates.
The last session of the day, moderated by Mr. Arijit Ghosh, Vice president, Education Quality Foundation of India, with eminent educators on the panel left the minds churning. Through some very pointed questioning, some critical aspects of education were discussed. Teachers need to upgrade themselves in order to catchup with their students. Technology has to be used smartly and not just to tick a box. In education, technology can be life changer for students which can bring textbooks to life.
The day concluded with cultural evening with the theme “Punjabi Tadka”, where all the delegates were dressed up in Punjabi attire. The whole decoration was based on Punjabi Theme and Punjabi Culture was wonderfully presented in the form of Bhangra, Giddha and Gatka. Delegates could not resist putting their foot forward on the dance floor. Enjoying the sumptuous Punjabi cuisines at Punjabi Dhaba, guests and delegates called it a day.
Next morning, 4th November, Dr. Sumer Singh, an eminent educationist and Board member PPS presided over the Closing Ceremony. Mr. Arijit Ghosh set the ball rolling with the first session of the day deliberating on the relative role of IT in today’s life. He delivered a talk on the topic “Role of Data in a futuristic school”. It was followed by another session by Nisha Bhakar, Director, Principal, Navayuga World School who further enlightened the delegates on fortifying their strength as teachers to be one credible point of learning for students in the classroom. She brought an integrated approach in classroom.
Mrs Jyotsana Brar summed up the takeaways from thoughtful session, imparting pearls of wisdom from her experience. She said it was vital for teachers to look for infinite possibilities to educate themselves for meaningful handling of students under their care. She said technology was an opportunity to enhance our learning exponentially. She said we should look upon technology as a natural progression of human evolution, not as a stumbling block. She enumerated the dangers of being too prescriptive.
Dr. Sumer Singh shared his own valuable inputs and gave away certificates to delegates of participating schools. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh reiterated the need to go for thematic learning which widens the scope of intellectual development. Dr. Jagpreet Singh, Headmaster, PPS Nabha presented the Chief Guest the traditional Phulkari and the Momento.
The greatest takeaway from the Conclave was
“Technology will not replace great teachers but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational”. 
